Dear all,
When the Eurovision Song Contest circus rolled in to Malmö the week before last for the semifinals (the second semifinal on Ascension Day) and the final, this editor chose to leave town for the countryside and a bit of R & R. The tens and tens of thousands and thousands of music-loving Malmöites and visitors from all over the world apparently had a great time, with lots of music and partying, huge but peaceful pro-Palestinian demonstrations as well as some not so huge but also peaceful pro-Israeli manifestations. The countryside was very peaceful.
Last week I chose to stay in Malmö rather than join the enormous amount of music-loving people who decided to descend on Stockholm for the three-day visit and three nights’ concerts by Taylor Swift. Judging by media reports the phenomenon Swift was as phenomenal as expected – or even more so – and tens and tens of thousands and thousands of Swifties enjoyed themselves royally. Malmö was very peaceful.
Last week the following items were published on idrottsforum.org (see below; language and publication dates, YYMMDD, in brackets). Click on the red headings to go to content. Utilize the Google Translate service to turn Scandinavian language pages into (some sort of) English.
Have a great week,
Kjell Eriksson
Editor
Feature Articles
Finding fun in the fatigue: Exploring healthism among group fitness instructors | A Summary
The concept of health is culturally contingent, and fitness practices provide a venue to gain insights into the construction of health. In this case study–based article, Karin Anderson focuses on group fitness instructors’ narratives on healthiness and fitness rituals. By combining Foucault’s notion of the ‘microphysics of power’ and the socio-cultural phenomenon healthism, Andersson employs a genealogical approach that reveals how healthism renders a discursive space for group fitness instructors to navigate their understanding of health norms. (Published in English 240513.
A minute’s silence is fine but when it comes to violence against women, being quiet isn’t enough
Sport has a role to play in creating a culture of respect, yet women in sport are often seen as “less than” on almost every measure: salaries, sponsorship, broadcasting, leadership, access, media, coaching, officiating, uniforms and support. Research shows three out of four Australian men are gender equality supporters, but very few (17%) prioritise taking any action. As Australia grapples with a “national crisis” of violence against women, what can men in sport do to help? Catherine Ordway and Ginger Gorman provide answers. (Published in English 240515.
Book Reviews
Women in Snowboarding, by Mari Kristin Sisjord
Mari Kristin Sisjord’s Women in Snowboarding (Routledge) is the first book to examine the role ofwomen in the origins, development and contemporary landscape of snowboarding. Focusing on organised and professional snowboarding, it explores the significance of women as participants, coaches, leaders, and high-profile sport stars. Greta Bladh is quite happy with the content as the book accomplishes its stated ambition, but she has reservations about the presentation, such as vague definitions and missing references. (Review in English, published 240514.)
Sports Psychology: Concepts and Applications, by S. K. Mangal & Shuhra Mangal
In Sports Psychology: Concepts and Applications (Routledge), authors S. K. Mangal and Shubhra Mangal analyse the essential aspects of sports psychology by throwing light on issues related to the upkeep of athletes’ mental state and improving their performance in sports activities. Stuart Carrington is our reviewer, and he finds much to recommend this book, not least for undergraduates as an introduction to the field. And it’s not a flaw, he contends, that the authors have sacrificed depth for breadth. (Review in English, published 240516.)
New Issues of Scholarly Journals
(We’re currently reviewing this service, since it’s a rather time-consuming undertaking. In the meanwhile we’re presenting some of the journals in line with the Forum’s core mission.)
The Physical Educator, Vol. 81, 2024, No. 3 (240513)- Journal of Sport for Development, Vol. 11, 2024, Issue 1 | Indigenous Voices Matter (240513)
- Sport in Society, Volume 27, 2024, Issue 6 | Sport, the Media and Ireland: Intersections of Gender, Class and Geography (open access issue) (240517)
- Sociology of Sport Journal, Volume 41, 2024, Issue 2 (240519)
- International Journal of Sport Policy and Politics, Volume 16, 2024, Issue 2 (240519)
News items (calls for papers, vacancies, etc.)
- SUPPORTER – i nöd och lust | En performance lecture i två halvlekar med en forskare, två slagverkare och en skådespelare. (240515)
- Disputation | Idrottsläraryrkets strävan efter mål och status av Sofia Sebelius, Malmö universitet, den 23 Maj 2024 (240516)
